India News | Keralam Announces Free Bus Travel for Women, CM to Inaugurate Scheme on June 15

Kerala is set to launch a landmark 'Priyadarshini' scheme on June 15, offering free bus travel to all women and transgender persons on ordinary Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses across the state. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate the initiative, fulfilling a key election promise aimed at boosting women's mobility and economic participation. The move places Kerala among a growing number of Indian states utilizing public transport as a tool for social empowerment. The initiative, championed by Transport Minister C.P. John, is part of the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) 'Indira Guarantees' and is projected to cost the state exchequer approximately ₹750-800 crore annually in its initial phase, or about ₹2 crore daily. This financial commitment comes as the KSRTC grapples with severe financial strain, having accumulated losses exceeding ₹20,900 crore by the end of fiscal year 2024-25. While the government has pledged to fully compensate the corporation, the scheme's rollout mirrors similar programs in Delhi, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, where free public transport for women has demonstrably increased female ridership and workforce participation. Initially restricted to ordinary services, the scheme will be reviewed monthly, with potential for expansion to other KSRTC bus categories contingent on operational performance and financial assessments. To ensure transparency and accountability, zero-fare 'Priyadarshini' tickets will be issued, and eligible buses will display clear identification stickers. As Kerala embarks on this significant social engineering project, the focus will be on maximizing its benefits for women while navigating the intricate financial landscape of its state-run transport system and potentially expanding the 'Gramavandi' rural bus service.